Does The Sinusitis Affect Bronchial Hyperresponsiveness In Asthmatic Children ?

Abstract

278 Psycho Social Stresses and Asthma Morbidity In Children Dr. Ejaz Yousef, MD, FAAAI; Marshfield Clinic, Marshfield, WI; Marshfield Clinic, MARSHFIELD, WI. RATIONALE: The purpose of this review is to investigate the influence of psycho-social stress on asthma morbidity in children. METHODS: Data on 56 asthmatic children aged 5-18 years were collected. Subjects were examined for the influence of psychological stresses (AHDH, Anxiety, Depression) and social factors (parental divorce, poor school performance, chronic illness in the family and any other stress in the family). The study subjects were divided into two groups. Group A (N5 30) comprised of children without personal or family history of psychosocial stress. Subjects in Group B (N5 26) had 2 or more background psychosocial stressors. RESULTS: Group A: Average asthma related hospital admission rate for group Awas 2 ER/Urgent care visits/year. 10 subjects had >2 courses of systemic steroids/year. Average asthma related missed school days/parental job time in the group was 4 days/year. Non compliance with asthma medications/care plan was found in 11 subjects Group B: Average hospital admission rate for group B was > 1.5 /year/subject.16 Subjects had >2 ER/Urgent care visits/year. 17 subjects had >2 courses of systemic steroids /year. Average missed school /parental job time in group was 9 days/ year. 16 subjects in Group were found to be non-compliant with medication/asthma care plan. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that psychosocial stressors may act as risk factors for asthma morbidity. Further research is needed to characterize the relationship with stress at multiple levels to more fully understand and address asthma morbidity in children.